Mechanical and/or electro-mechanical interconnect system for vehicle load carrying components/accessories

ABSTRACT

A latch for removably securing one of a plurality of different accessories to an automobile is described. The latch includes a mounting structure which is permanently installed on the vehicle in a manner which assures that the static and dynamic loading expected by reason of the differing accessories are supported by the vehicle. The latch also provides electrical feed-through for accessories that might need the same, and remote and/or locking securance.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/165,733 filed Dec. 10,1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,570 which is, in turn, a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 07/863,200 filed Apr. 3, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No.5,306,156.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to mounting accessories on the exteriorof road and off-road terrain vehicles, such as automobiles, andspecifically to an accessory latching arrangement and method of latchingthat utilizes an accessory mounting structure which is permanentlysecured to a road or off-road terrain vehicle. (The term "road" vehicleas used hereinafter is meant to include off-road terrain vehicles, butnot aircraft or water vessels.)

It is common to mount exterior accessories to an automobile or otherroad vehicle. There are several problems that are associated with suchmounting. For one there often is a requirement that there be anelectrical pass-through from the vehicle to the accessory. Accessoriessuch as exteriorly mounted driving lights, emergency lighting systems,antennas and vehicle telecommunication or transponder systems typicallydo require such pass-through.

Another problem is that the static and dynamic loading expected byreason of a road vehicle accessory will be transmitted to the vehiclefor support. This extra loading will be due to the weight and expectedinteraction of the accessory itself with air at the speed of operation,and the same factors with respect to the load. The accessory must be somounted to the road vehicle that the necessary vehicular support will beprovided for both it and its expected load.

By reason of these and other problems those in the art typically havefocused on providing the necessary securance and feed-through with theparticular requirements of a specific accessory in mind. For example,roof racks for skis, bicycles, luggage cases or other loads to besecured on a road vehicle are often designed to be secured to aspects ofthe vehicle, such as rain gutters, openable doors, trunk lids, etc.,which will provide the necessary structural support and rigidity. Whilesome roof racks are only secured to a vehicle exterior body panel or"skin" racks of this nature often are limited in capacity or are onlydecorative.

The permanent securance of an accessory to the exterior of a roadvehicle often has undesirable consequences. For example, many emergencyvehicles, e.g., law enforcement vehicles, are sold for general use afterit is believed their useful life as emergency vehicles is finished. Ingeneral, however, an emergency vehicle of this type requires one or moreexternally mounted accessories, such as warning lights, etc. Varioussteps have been taken to permit these accessories to be removed from theemergency vehicle without visible damage, to enable the same to beconverted to general usage. For example, reference is made to U.S. Pat.No. 4,934,752 which describes an emergency vehicle accessory mountingarrangement relying on piercing a vehicular roof in a manner that a sunroof can be used to replace the warning equipment accessory when thevehicle is converted to general use. One other consequence is that whena permanently mounted emergency vehicle warning accessory is provided,the entire vehicle must be taken out of service when the warningaccessory needs to be repaired. U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,999 discusses thisproblem and teaches as a solution, the provision of a warning devicewhich is removable from the vehicle for repair and/or replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a latching arrangement which overcomesthe difficulties mentioned above. As one salient aspect of theapparatus, the latch includes a mounting structure which is permanentlyinstalled on a road vehicle but is designed to interface with differingaccessories. Thus, differing accessories can use the very same mountingstructure at differing times. The mounting structure is designed toaccommodate the expected static and dynamic loading of all of thoseaccessories potentially usable therewith. As another aspect of theinvention, the mounting structure includes cooperable components forpermanent mounting on the road vehicle, which components providesecurance to the road vehicle in such a way as to transmit to such roadvehicle, the static and dynamic load expected by reason of an accessory.Such components provide an exposed mechanical and/or electricalconnector at the exterior of the vehicle to mate with correspondingconnectors on any one of a plurality of different accessories. Thesecomponents are designed to facilitate permanent securance of themounting structure to a road vehicle skin, thereby to assure thatexpected loading can be accommodated even though the permanent mount isnot connected directly to internal framework or structure of thevehicle. This allows much more freedom as to placement of the permanentlatching mounting structure.

As another salient aspect of the invention, the permanent mountingstructure provides an electrical connector exposed to the exterior formating with a corresponding electrical structure associated with anaccessory. Most desirably the electrical connector is so located that itwill automatically mate with a corresponding connector on an accessorywhen the mechanical connection is made. Moreover, the accessory willseal the same from the ambient environment. As another feature of theinvention in some instances remote manipulation, such as from within apassenger compartment, is provided for the connection/disconnection ofan accessory. Moreover, it is designed to enable incorporation of avariety of mechanical principles for the connectors, e.g., rotationalcam-tightening, captive screws, and over-center levers.

One major advantage of the invention is that it facilitates satisfactionof requirements imposed on mass production automobiles sold in acountry. The purpose of many of such requirements is to initiateproduction of more fuel efficient vehicles by assuring that theestimated highway mileage average of all vehicles produced by amanufacturer is within an allowable maximum. A manufacturer can makesmaller and lighter vehicles in an effort to satisfy these requirements.This usually is at the expense of trunk and passenger compartment spacein the vehicle. Buyers and users of such down-sized vehicles miss thelarger carrying space for general luggage or sporting equipmenttransportation, and have turned to externally mounted racks to supplythe desired load-carrying capacity. Thus, in an effort to satisfy thiscustomer requirement for more load-carrying capacity on down-sizedvehicles, manufacturers are installing or making available load carryingrack systems as optional accessories. Vehicles with permanently mountedracks must be tested and analyzed with the rack installed. These rackscan result in mileage decrease as a result of increased frontal drag andturbulent wind flow at highway speeds, contrary to the intent ofdown-sizing. They can also result in increased noise. It is well knownto those in the field, though, that a road vehicle delivered to themarket having a consumer attachable-detachable rack normally will not berequired by regulations to be tested with the rack installed if the rackis delivered with the vehicle to customers as a detached accessory. Thepresent invention accommodates this by providing a permanently installedmounting structure on a vehicle for an accessory which can be added bythe customer/user if desired after delivery of the vehicle to them.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it transfers staticand dynamic loading by reason of an attached accessory directly throughthe latch system to a roof or body panel or indirectly to structuralelements in or supporting the roof or other body panel of the hostvehicle.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that antennae forcellular phones, radios, transceivers for intelligent vehicle highwaysystems (IVHS), collision avoidance systems, or emergency vehiclelighting systems, taxi and commercial illumination placards, markerlights or driving lamps which are attachable to the accessory orintegral within the attachable accessory will be electricallyinterconnected automatically to the vehicle upon attachment of theaccessory mechanically to the vehicle.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability tointerchange a variety of accessories, with or without electricalrequirements, without the use of tools to one or more of the permanentlymounted latch structures on the road vehicle.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to detachan accessory for the purpose of upgrading to a future accessory whichmay not be currently available or a replacement accessory containingmore of the desired features, and the ability to detach any mountedaccessory for the purpose of service or repair to that accessory.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that passive lockingis provided when the connector(s) of permanently installed latchstructure(s) are actuated by means located within the vehicle interioror on the inside of closed, lockable doors and panels. In thisconnection, while removable automobile hard-top roofs and convertibletops have provided for quick, secure attachment of the roof to thevehicle with latching arrangements having a plurality of permanentlyinstalled inter-fitting male and female components for said attachment,these systems have not been designed to accommodate differentaccessories.

Other features and advantages of the invention either will becomeapparent or will be described in connection with the following, moredetailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

With reference to the accompanying drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of mounting structuresfor an easily manipulatable latch of the invention securing an accessoryto the roof panel of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective partial view illustrating a preferred embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mounting structure of the latch, takenon the plane indicated in FIG. 2 by the lines 3--3;

FIGS. 4 through 8 are sectional views indicating alternativeconstructions for the mounting structure;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an arrangement which facilitates post-assemblyof a mounting structure on a vehicle; .

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate some of the other accessories for which theinvention is applicable;

FIGS. 13 through 17 illustrate some of the connector arrangements thatcan be incorporated into the instant invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an actuator of the latch of the inventionincorporated into the permanently installed mounting structure;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are partial perspective views depicting arrangements foractuating the latch from a location remote from the latch itself, i.e.,from within a vehicular compartment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a latch of the invention having mating electricalconnectors;

FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 21 but illustrates a pair of differingelectrical connectors;

FIG. 23 is a broken away, perspective view of an alternate embodiment ofa latch mounting structure incorporating an electrical connector;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a cover plate for the embodiment ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a latching structure of the inventionshowing an alternate electrical connector arrangement; and

FIGS. 26-31 are partial perspective views illustrating some of theaccessories with which the invention is applicable and with whichelectrical feed-through is necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The following relatively detailed description is provided to satisfy thepatent statutes. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an automobile, generally referred to by the referencenumeral 11, having a plurality of mounting structures of the latch ofthe invention permanently installed on its roof panel. A load supportingaccessory 13 having a cross bar extends between two pedestals 14. Asillustrated, the pedestal in this arrangement is part of the rack. It isnot necessary in every embodiment, though, that such pedestal be part ofthe rack. Each of the pedestals 14 incorporates another part of thelatch of the invention as will be described. A like rack assembly havinga cross bar with pedestals at its ends may be installed on the front setof mounting structures 12 in a like manner.

FIG. 2 illustrates the latch of the invention in more detail. It isdivided between two parts, an accessory latching structure and amounting structure which is permanently installed on the vehicle. Inthis connection, the roof panel itself is provided with an aperture foraccepting the members to be described provided by the mounting structure16 of the latch. Mounting structure 16 is permanently installed andincludes both a connection component 21 and a backing component 22secured to the vehicle on the side of the body panel opposite that ofthe connection component. These components sandwich the vehicle bodypanel between the same and transmit to the vehicle, both the static anddynamic load expected by reason of an accessory. This sandwiching alsoseals the components to the body panel. The sandwiching is best seen inFIG. 3. A sealing gasket 24 is located between the two components asillustrated, and a plurality of fasteners 26, such as bolts, extendthrough registering apertures between the two components and the roofpanel edges to provide such sandwiching. As brought out earlier, one ofthe important aspects of the instant invention is that it canaccommodate different accessories. To facilitate this, it is importantthat the connection and backing components be designed to transmit thestatic and dynamic loading expected by all of the differing accessories.

Mounting structure 16 includes a mechanical connector 17 at the exteriorof the vehicle positioned to mate with and connect to a correspondingmechanical connector 18 in the form of a locking stud, associated withthe accessory latching structure. A pair of locating keeper apertures 19are also provided by the road vehicle mounting structure for cooperableengagement with corresponding bosses or keepers 20 of the accessorylatching structure. The coupling of the keepers 20 with the apertures 19provide for resistance to lateral loading in a plane generally parallelto the plane of the top surface of the mounting structure 16. Mostdesirably, the keepers and the apertures are sized for tightinterfitting engagement to aid in rigid non-moving interaction betweenthe vehicular mounting structure and accessory latching structures.

Much of the latching structure associated with the accessory can beintegrally molded or otherwise be an integral part of the pedestal 14,or can be components of a separate assembly mounted in and affixed tosuch pedestal. The pedestal acts, in effect, as a mating part of theaccessory that is removable from the remainder thereof. The accessorylatching structure includes not only the connector 18 but an actuator 23for operating such connector. This actuator is manually manipulatablewithout the use of tools. It can be rotated by 90° by hand and it isconnected by conventional means (not shown) to cause corresponding 45°rotation of connector 18. (It is to be noted that such connector isillustrated rotated by 45 degrees relative to the mating connector 17 ofthe vehicle mounting structure. This shows its position after passingthrough the connection component and assuring rigid connectiontherebetween.)

The fact that the actuator 23 is manipulatable without the use of toolsis an important aspect of the invention. It enables a user to simplyattach or detach an accessory, or change accessories, in a simplemanner. Rotation of actuator 23 results in the accessory latchingstructure and the vehicle mounting structure being drawn together.Moreover, the sealing gasket 24 is most desirably a sheet of resilientand compliant material which facilitates tight and rigid mating betweenthe two main structural parts of the latch. In this connection, thelocking component 17 can include ramps or the like located on the otherside of its recess to facilitate drawing the pedestal 14 against the topsurface of the vehicle mounting structure to compress the resilientgasket 24 and aid in forming a load supporting and load resistingcoupling between the pedestal 14 and the road vehicle mountingstructure.

The manner in which the connection and backing components of the vehiclemounting structure are provided can vary significantly. FIGS. 4 through8 are views of some variations, although these variations are not to beconsidered to be exhaustive of all possibilities. The variationillustrated by the sectional view in FIG. 4 is quite similar to thestructure of the previously described embodiment. As can be seen bycomparing FIGS. 3 and 4, though, in the FIG. 4 embodiment the depressedportion of the connection component 21' is an integral part of theexposed portion of the same. This figure also emphasizes the fact thatthe hole made in the road vehicle panel is elongated and the sandwichedpanel side edges are relatively close together. In this connection, FIG.4 is a sectional view of the variation represented by the same, taken ona plane which is 90° from the plane represented by FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows another variation in which mounting structure 27incorporating both the backing and connection components is insertedthrough a previously pierced hole from the underside of the vehiclepanel, allowing a flanged portion thereof 28 to rest upon and retain agasket 29 or other sealing means. A spring clip 30 on the top of theexterior panel, having a largely unbroken perimeter, is slipped on tothe outwardly protruding edge of the structure 27 such that a pluralityof deformable interference inducing projections extending radiallyinward from the same. A raised rib 31 about the top perimeter of thestructure 27 allows the spring clip to slip over its edge and down uponthe vertical perimeter wall so that the clip will be prevented frombeing removed. Attachment of an accessory (not shown) will tend to seatthe clip further onto the structure 27 by compressing the sealing orgasket means. A permanent cost effective installation is thus realized.

FIG. 6 further shows a permanently mounted structure similar to that ofFIG. 4 but with the road vehicle panel 32 having a dimpled recess 33 toaccommodate the mounting structure, thereby providing substantiallyincreased rigidity and resistance to loading while allowing a flush,aerodynamically "clean" appearance. The fastening means may be the sameas that used with the earlier described variations or by otherappropriate means.

FIG. 7 shows a mounting structure in which the backing component is madeup by the road vehicle panel itself. That is, a seam is providedadjoining two body panel parts 34 and 36 by electrical resistancewelding as represented at 37. The seamed panel parts 36 and 37 are morestructurally sound than a flat panel and together form a backingcomponent into which a connection component 38 is inserted. Thesemounting structures could be any of the variations described previously.A plurality of fastening means 39 are shown securing the connectioncomponent within the backing component provided by the seamed panelrecess.

In some instances it is not necessary that the. mounting structureinclude a separate backing component. For example, this is the case whenthe structural framework of the vehicle provides the backing componentand to which the connector component of the mounting structure can besecured directly. FIG. 8 shows such an arrangement. Such view is abroken-away side sectional view of the construction of an automobile atits curved side. The structural framework of the automobile includes anelongated channel section 41 which is secured via an appropriate meansto the roof panel portion 42 via an appropriate means, such asresistance welding. As illustrated, a connector component represented at43 circumscribes a pierced aperture through both the body panel and thestructural framework channel. The pair of metal sheet portions which arecircumscribed by the mounting structure cooperate with the connectioncomponent to support at their location static and dynamic loading of anaccessory.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an arrangement in which not only the backingcomponent is provided by structural framework of the vehicle, butfacilitates post-assembly, e.g., by a dealer rather than themanufacturer. The channel 41' is provided by the manufacturer with therequisite bends to define cavities, one of which is indicated at 44,with the roof panel. The connector component 45 then can be installed ata later time, e.g., after holes are accurately punched or drilled with atemplate (an art common in the trade) allowing access to the preformedcavities. The component 45 can be fabricated from plastic, metal or acombination thereof, and can be modular to accommodate electrical andmechanical interfaces. It can include a simple snap-in type ofconnection as is illustrated and most desirably a sealant or gasket 46is included to provide a barrier to the elements. It should be notedthat while this construction facilitates post-assembly, it also can beused by the manufacturer for a pre-assembly arrangement.

FIG. 11 shows an enclosed case accessory 47 capable of carryingsubstantial loads within its internal cavity. Latch mounting structures48 are permanently affixed to the road vehicle roof panel. Details 43 reconnection components protruding downward from the underside of the caseare aligned to the dimensionally spaced mounting structures 48 toconnectably interfit with and form a removable connection with the same.The case exterior is designed so as to minimize the void between theunderside of the case and the exterior surface of the vehicle, and tocontribute a minimum to the aerodynamic drag of the entire vehicle.

FIG. 12 shows a rack assembly having two crossbars 49, each of which isconnectably attached to two pedestals 51 of the type illustrated earlierwhich detachably mount to a plurality of appropriately positioned latchmounting structures 52 on an automobile trunk panel 53. An optional loadsupporting tie bar 54 is shown which is permanently attached or isdetachable from the crossbars 49, a multitude of which can be affixedbetween the parallel crossbars such that increased load distribution isrealized. It should be noted that the accessory being described not onlyis a different one than that illustrated in FIG. 11, it is of adifferent kind, i.e., made up of cross bars and the like rather than anenclosed case as in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate variations of the connector arrangement.In FIG. 13 a partially broken and sectional view 57 is provided with anaccessory pedestal having a plurality of slidably retracting lockingbars 58 and 59 which are connectably attached to an actuating shaft 62which, in turn, is actually connected to an actuation lever 63. Anaccessory mounting structure 64 is shown in sectional view with asmaller length extending downward and past the interior surface of aroad vehicle body panel 66, with a flange resting on the exteriorsurface of such panel. A plurality of opposed, outwardly and downwardlyangled ramps 67 are located within the cavity of the mounting structure.(The latter can be attached to the vehicle by any suitable means, suchas that used in the FIGS. 3-8 variations.) Now, rotation of the lockinglever 63 counterclockwise by 90 degrees results in eccentric 68 drawingthe locking bars 58 and 59 upward and inward so that the dimensionbetween the ends result in both passing by the minor dimension of thetop of the ramps 67 of the structure 64 to connect the pedestal 57 tothe structure 64. Upon rotation of the locking lever 63, and thesimultaneous extension of the locking bars 58 and 59 by eccentricrotation of the shaft 61, the bars engage the ramps 67 thereby drawingthe pedestal tightly against, but removably attached, to the vehiclelatch mounting structure. A resilient pedestal pad similar to pad 24 isdesirably installed between the pedestal and mounting structure toprovide compressible resistance to the cam and locking bar extension,and a consequent closely coupled interfit between the pedestal and themounting structure.

Yet another pedestal to mounting structure arrangement is shown in FIG.14. A pedestal 71 having a laterally projecting and load supporting bar72, such as a rack crossbar which would be connectably attached to asecond pedestal, has both a locking projection 73 extending below itsbase 74 and a locking means with a rotatable cam 75 at the end oppositethe locking projection 73. A mounting structure 76 is attached to a roadvehicle body panel 77 with a flange 78 resting on the panel exterior. Anappropriate sealer or gasket can be positioned between the underside ofthe flange 78 and the top surface of the panel 77 as in FIG. 2. Mountingthe pedestal to the vehicle mounting structure is realized by firstsliding the leading edge of the locking projection 73 into the matingaperture 79 of the vehicular mounting structure, and then inserting androtating the cam 75 in a corresponding mating aperture 80 for the same.Adequate resistance to lateral and vertical loading is realized throughthe plurality of through-penetration and interlocking of the matingdetails of the mounting structure and pedestal portions of the latch.

Now looking at FIG. 15, a road vehicle mounting structure 81 is attachedand affixed to the road vehicle body. That is, it is inserted from theexterior of the panel 83 and extends toward the interior of the vehicle.An accessory pedestal capable of sequentially supporting various staticand dynamic loads has an exterior shell 84 and a base with extendingbosses 86. It also has an over-center cam type latch mechanism thatincludes a latch hook 87 pivotally attached to a cam lever 88 by meansof a hinge pin 89. Lever 88 is pivotally attached to pedestal shell 84by means of a hinge pin 91, and it has an actuation handle 92 integraltherewith. To removably affix the pedestal to the mounting structure,the lever is rotated to the unlatched position (clockwise relative tothe drawing) to thereby extend the hook 87 downward to the right, andthe pedestal is lowered onto the mounting structure with the lateralload resisting bosses 86 engaging and interfitting mating recesses 93provided by the mounting structure, which recesses are designed totightly couple with the bosses 86. The hook 87 enters a mating cavity 94in the mounting structure and rests under and to the left of crossmember 96. Upon lifting of the lever handle 92 in a counterclockwisedirection, the latch hook 87 is drawn toward the lever 91 in a mannerwhich causes the hook to engage the laterally extending crossmember 96and draw together tightly the pedestal base and bosses 86 and the topsurface of the mounting structure 83 and boss recesses 93. A resilientpedestal pad similar to pad 24 of the FIGS. 2-3 embodiment can be fittedbetween the pedestal and mounting structure to provide a compressivefit. The bosses additionally prevent the pedestal from sliding relativeto the mounting structure in a direction opposed to the lateral forcesinduced upon the latch hook upon actuation of the latch lever. Uponclosing the latch handle 92 to its resting place against the pedestal,the latch hook hinge pin 89 is located above the lever hinge pin 91,thereby remaining over the centerline of the lever hinge pin 91 andcausing a force on the lever handle 92 toward and along a line directlyto the latch hook 96 biasing the lever in the closed position resistantto opening. A lock (not shown) can be installed if desired into thelever handle 92 to lock the same closed against the pedestal and preventunauthorized opening.

FIG. 16 shows a latching mechanism having actuation means that includesan actuation lever 101 which acts along an axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the illustrated, permanently installed mountingstructure 102. An accessory pedestal 103 shown in a partial cutaway viewto expose the latching mechanism, consists of a shell with an internalcavity and a base 104 to which a resilient pad (not shown) as in theembodiment of FIG. 2 is affixed. A load supporting bar 106 which acts asa crossbar between the pedestal 103 and a second pedestal (not shown) isattachably affixed to the pedestal by adhesive or mechanical fasteningmeans as appropriate, and has a recessed locking hole 107. A latchinghook 108 is pivotally attached to the actuation lever 101 by means of ahinge pin 109, the entire assembly being pivotally attached to thepedestal by means of a hinge pin 110 which only penetrates and passesthrough the lever 101. Prior to attachment of the mounting structure102, an acceptable sealing means such as a gasket (not shown) ispositioned between it and the body panel 111. Such structure has acavity 112 extending longitudinally in the mounting structure from oneend near one fastening means to near the opposite end. A longitudinallyextending crossmember 113 is attached at both ends above the cavity.When the actuating lever 101 is in the shown open position, the latchinghook 108 extends below the pedestal base 104. When such base is loweredtoward the mounting structure, the hook enters the slot 114 caused bythe crossmember 115. Upon actuation lever 101 being moved downward andtoward the crossbar 106, the latching hook 108 catches the underside ofthe crossmember 115 of the mounting structure and causes the pedestal tobe drawn tightly against it. A key lock 116 engages locking recess 107thereby securing the lever 101 in the closed position. It is to benoted, though, that the key lock can be unlocked from the locking recessso that the lever 101 is raisable, thereby providing detachablesecurance as desired.

FIG. 17 shows another latch arrangement. A pedestal 120 has a cavity 121which will accept a load carrying rack crossbar for installation of thesame. Its base has a recess 122 with outwardly angled sidewalls 123which form the female portion of a dovetail slot, having a vertical wall124 located on the closed end of the recess. A mounting structure 125 ispermanently installed on a road vehicle. A lock 126 is integrallyattached to and penetrates the pedestal, which lock is accessible to theexterior as illustrated for locking with a key 127, or with a knob inplace of a key. When the lock is actuated, a cam 128 will swing down andin the recess perpendicular to the outwardly angled sidewalls 123. Itwill lock the pedestal 120 in position only after the pedestal isslidably affixed to the mounting structure and the vertical pedestalsurface near the recess 122 open end is aligned and flush fitting withthe corresponding vertical surface of the mounting structure. Thepedestal is fitted to the mounting structure by first aligning the openend of the recess 122 with the front end of the dovetail 129 of themounting structure, then by sliding the pedestal rearward and along thelength of the mounting structure. The lock cam 128 will engage the camrecess 130 upon locking, thereby preventing the pedestal from beingremoved from the mounting structure.

In all of the arrangements discussed to this point, the actuator hasbeen part of the accessory latch structure of the invention. It also canbe part of the mounting structure which is permanently installed on aroad vehicle. FIG. 18 shows one arrangement of such a construction. Inthis arrangement, the pedestal 131 incorporates a locating andsecurement feature typified by a latching hook 132 which engages themounting structure. A plurality of fastening means could be incorporatedin lieu of this hook. An important aspect of the invention is typifiedby the access hole 133 within the pedestal which allows access to thelatch actuator 134. The actuator itself could take the form of a rampingcam, a screw thread, or a plurality of fastening means which wouldextend downwardly into the mounting structure represented at 135providing the means for engagement. A gasket (not shown) can be includedto provide elemental sealing for this system. A variety of methods couldbe employed to effect the actuation, including a tool, a key(illustrated at 136), or hand actuation via exposed wing nuts or thelike. The fact that the actuator is contained within the mountingstructure is an important feature of this invention. Also shown in FIG.18 is an electrical interconnection using a male 137 and female 138interfit coupling. The electrical harness could exit the housing with aweatherproof junction as illustrated at 139.

As another salient aspect of the instant invention, an actuator can beprovided for manipulating the connectors between their securing andnon-securing positions from a location remote from the location of suchconnectors. (As used herein, a location is "remote" from the connectorsif it is spaced a large distance away from the same and/or is positionedin a location which is inaccessible relative to the connectorsthemselves, i.e., within a passenger or trunk compartment of anautomobile vehicle.) FIG. 19 shows a latching means which is actuatedfrom the interior of an automobile. A latch lever 151 within the vehicleis attachably connected to an actuation shaft 152, that is, in turn,connected to a locking stud for controlling movement of the latter. Thelocking stud is essentially similar to the locking stud 18 shown in FIG.2, but it extends in an upward direction and toward the vehicleexterior. Lever 151 and shaft 152 are retained within a decorativeescutcheon plate mounted on the underside of a headliner or othervehicle interior finishing material. The entire latching means isstructurally affixed to the vehicle on the underside of the exteriorbody panel 154 by mechanically affixing a mounting structure 156thereto. The void between the headliner 153 and the panel 154 maycontain a structural roof member 157 for the mounting structure.

A pedestal 158 to which a crossbar is connected and which extends to asecond pedestal (not shown) has a base 159 within which there is arecess 161 having radially extending details similar to those in theFIGS. 2-3 embodiment, allowing interfitting of radially extendinglocking pins laterally attached to the locking stud. A plurality ofbosses 162 are also provided on base 159, extending downward andprotruding therefrom. To removably attach the load bearing accessory tothe vehicle, the pedestal 158 is lowered toward the mounting structureso that the bosses 101 engage interfitting recesses in such structure.The locking stud with radially extending locking pins rotated to theunlocked and open position is made to engage the pedestal recess 161 sothat the locking pins extend beyond and above locking ramps which aresimilar to the ramps of the embodiment of FIGS. 2-3. Subsequent rotationof the latching lever 151 to the shown closed position causes thelocking pins to engage the ramps and draw the pedestal tightly down andupon the mounting structure. In an alternate attachment method, therecess 161 can be replaced by a threaded stud to be threadably receivedwithin a threaded knob structurally affixed to the vehicle on theunderside of the exterior body panel 154 in a manner which permitsrotation thereof. A resilient interposed pad between the pedestal 158and the mounting structure 156 allows for a weather-tight compressivefit between the parts.

A second latching system accessible to the vehicle interior is shown inFIG. 20. A latching mounting structure 171 is permanently affixed to oron the underside of the exterior body panel 172 by any of a variety offastening means. A flange 173 abuts the interior surface of the vehicleinterior finishing material headliner 174. The mounting structurefurther includes a latch lever handle 176 hingedly attached to suchstructure at the lever fulcrum. A finger well 177 is provided forclearance to access the handle for opening, a latching hook 178 ishingedly attached to the latching lever by means of a hinge pin 179, anda locating recess (not shown) is provided on the upwardly projectingsurface of the mounting structure. A load supporting pedestal 181 towhich a crossbar 182 is attachably affixed that extends to a secondpedestal, has a lateral load resisting boss 183 and latch hook mountingstructure 184 extending downward and protruding from the pedestal base.A panel supporting structural member 186 may be located near themounting structure and in the void between the panel and interiorfinishing material. To removably affix the pedestal to the vehicle, thepedestal is lowered to the mounting structure with the latch handle 176of the latter in the downward and open position. The extended latch hook178 engages the back side of the hook mounting structure 184 while theboss 183 engages the aforementioned recess on the upper surface of themounting structure. As latch handle 178 is actuated and moved toward theshown closed position, the hook 178 draws the entire pedestal assembly181 tightly down and together with the vehicle mounted structure 171. Anresilient pad can be interposed between the pedestal 181 and themounting structure 171 to provide for a weather-tight compressive fitbetween the parts.

Many accessories require for operation that there be an electricalfeed-through from the body. The latch structure of the invention isparticularly designed to provide such feed-through. While in someinstances the feed-through simply can be via the mechanical connectionwhich is provided, in most instances it is necessary that there be oneor more electrical connectors. It should be noted that the basic conceptof providing a permanently mounted socket on the exterior of a vehiclefor electrical connection is not new. Reference is made, for example, toU.S. Pat. No. 3,915,476. Insofar as applicant is aware, though, it isnew to provide both mechanical connection and electrical connection toan accessory. FIG. 21 illustrates one arrangement having a separateelectrical connector arrangement which is automatically connected whenthe accessory is removably attached to the automobile. That is, FIG. 21shows a pedestal assembly 191 with a load supporting crossbar 192extending from the same to a second pedestal (not shown). It includes alocking stud 193 connected to an operating lever 114 as in the FIGS. 2-3embodiment. Further, extending downwardly from the pedestal base is anintegrally molded or affixed electrical plug connector 196 containing aplurality of electrical contacts 197. Each of the contacts 197 iselectrically separated from the others and can provide a different levelof power, etc., than the others. A plurality of electrical wires 198attached thereto extend into and along the crossbar for attachment toone or more electrical accessories mounted or mountable thereon. Thecontacts 197 are electrically insulated from metallic parts orcomponents which may contribute to electrical shorting. A mountingstructure 199 is permanently installed on the vehicle body withappropriate connectors exposed at the exterior body panel 201. A recess202 designed to receive stud 193 similar to that in the FIGS. 2-3embodiment is shown. An electrical socket 203 with a plurality ofinsulated female electrical contacts 204 all of which are closelyinterconnectable with corresponding contacts 197 is integrally molded oraffixed to the mounting structure. A plurality of wires (not shown) areelectrically connected to contacts 204 and extend into and along a pathin the vehicle interior to appropriate terminations.

Removably attaching the pedestal 191 to the mounting structure 199 isaccomplished by lowering the pedestal so that the mating andinterfitting details of the electrical plugs 196 and 203 engage and thestud 193 and recess 202 engage. Actuating latching lever 194 or othermeans described herein causes the pedestal to be drawn down and upon themounting structure and causes final interconnection of electrical andmechanical details of the plugs, thereby providing for an detachableelectrically continuous path from the vehicle interior to the loadsupporting pedestal.

FIG. 22 shows a pedestal 211 and mounting structure 212 having aplurality of electrical contacts 197" and 204" retained in interfittingplug halves as in the embodiment of FIG. 21. Further a coaxial connectorsocket plug 213 is integrally molded or affixed to the mountingstructure and an interfitting connectible coaxial connector male plug214 is integrally molded or affixed to the pedestal. Coaxial cables areprimarily used in road vehicles for transmission of communications orradio frequency signals, and appropriate ones connectably extend fromthe connectors 213 and 214 into and along the vehicle interior andpedestal, respectively, and are terminated as desired at an antenna, orat a communications receiver or transceiver device.

Only the mounting structure 220 half of an electrical connector is shownin the embodiment of FIG. 23. It will be understood that a detachableload supporting accessory of a type shown earlier or of another type notshown can be mountably affixed to such structure. Mounting structure 220has latch actuation means accessible from the vehicle interior or panelunderside. It includes a structural case 221 which can be a single partor an assembly of parts and into which is mounted and affixed a latchhook 222 pivotally attached to a latching lever actuator 223 shown inthe closed and latched position. An electrical plug socket 224containing a single or a plurality of electrical contacts, such plugbeing of one of a variety of types selected for a particular purpose andmateable to an interconnecting half located on the mountable pedestal(not shown), is recessed into the interior of the case 221. A wire orplurality of wires 226 electrically connected to the plug 224 extendthrough and beyond the case exterior and remain positioned by a weathersealing strain relief 227.

Mounting of an attachable accessory to the shown mounting structure isaccomplished by first opening the latch actuator 223 to the downwardposition, thereby causing the latch hook 222 to extend up and above thetop surface of the mounting structure, interfitting the hook onto orinto a mating means, and closing the latching hook to the illustratedposition. The mating electrical plug interfitting with shown socket plug224 simultaneously occurs, thereby forming a continuous electrical pathfrom the vehicle interior to the accessory through the mountingstructure and the accessory pedestal.

FIG. 24 shows a cover plate 230 which can be detachably affixed to themounting structure 220. In this connection, it is provided with thedepending mechanical connector 231 on its underside which interfits withlatching hook 222. It will be realized that a similar decorative orprotective cover plate may be designed to cover any of the permanentlyinstalled mounting structures described to this point. It should also berealized that the function of a cover plate is to provide protectionand/or decoration when there is no accessory mounted to the mountingstructure, and that any number of types and designs of coversmanufactured of a number of different materials will suffice.

FIGS. 25-31 illustrate various accessories requiring both mechanical andelectrical input. FIG. 25 shows an alternate arrangement providing bothmechanical and electrical connection. It is a pedestal 271 and mountingstructure 272 of a dovetail slidably interfitting design, as illustratedin FIG. 17. The pedestal primarily is load supporting but additionallyallows for the electrical connection of electrical accessories by meansof connection to electrical wires 273. A plurality of electricallyconductive contacts 274 which may be spring biased are connectablyattached to the wires 273. Such contacts are fitted within the recess276 of the pedestal base so that they are electrically insulated frommetallic parts which may cause electrical shorting. The mountingstructure 272 has a plurality of electrically conductive contacts 277which also may be spring biased connectably attached to wires 278 andare electrically insulated from metallic components which may be presentin or on the mounting structure. Upon slidably interfitting the pedestal271 to and upon the mounting structure 272, the electrical contactslocated on each part are co-located with the opposing contacts on theother. Engagement of the contacts causes electrical continuity from thewires 278 in the vehicle interior and the wires 273 for electricalaccessories. The pedestal is retained to the mounting structure by lockmeans as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 26 shows a rear deck mounted wind stabilizing wing 280 whichincorporates a center high mounted stop light 281 centralized anddirectionally illuminating rearward therefrom. The wing 280 isconnectably attached to a pair of supporting pedestals 282, both ofwhich incorporate electrical and mechanical interconnection features ofthe invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 21 through 23 and in FIG.25. By means of previously illustrated latching means, the pedestals areremovably attached and connected to mounting structures not shownlocated on and through the rear deck exterior body panel 283. Wires (notshown) extending from the stop light 281 are connectably attached andterminated at an electrical plug half located at the pedestal base.Further, wires connected to the mounting structure half of theinterfitting electrical plug connector are extended within the vehicleinterior to the appropriate stop light illuminating termination.

FIG. 27 shows an emergency vehicle lighting and communications system240 mounted and removably attached to an automobile exterior body panel241. A plurality of mounting structures and accessory latch structuresof the invention (not shown) which incorporate a plurality of coaxialand direct current type of electrical connectors and mechanical latchingmeans are used to connectably attach the interfitting electrical andmechanical details located on the underside of the lighting andcommunications system 240. The system 240 includes a speaker system 242used as means to project voice or siren forward of the vehicle, avariety of strobe and colored warning lamps beneath a clear canopy 243,and one or more communications antennas (not shown) similarly containedunder the canopy. The base 244 of the system substantially matches thecontour of the top surface of the body panel 241, thereby eliminatingthe traditional air gap between the underside of the lighting system andthe vehicle panel, such being responsible for increased wind noise andreduced mileage at highway speeds.

FIG. 28 shows a crossbar 251 connectably attached to a pair of opposedpedestals 252. Dotted line 253 indicates an antenna used for radiofrequency communication located within the internal cavity of thecrossbar, which antenna has a connectably attached coaxial cable whichextends through the crossbar to one of the pedestals where it isconnectably terminated by a male or female coaxial plug (not shown)located on the underside thereof. A clear lens 254 is shown on theleading edge of the crossbar. An infrared communications transmitter,receiver or transponder located behind the lens is capable ofcommunicating unimpeded through the lens. Such communication isnecessary for communicating with infrared transceivers permanentlylocated on the roadside for intelligent highway vehicle navigation andcollision avoidance systems, for example. A coaxial cable and wires notshown but connectably attached to the communications device extendthrough the crossbar to a pedestal and are connectably terminated to amale or female plug located on the underside thereof. The plurality ofplugs on the underside of the pedestal connectably interfit andmechanically and electrically latch removably to a pair of co-locatedmounting structures permanently affixed to the automobile at an exteriorbody panel.

FIG. 29 shows a pedestal 261 which includes an electrical and mechanicalattachment means between the pedestal base and mounting structure on thevehicle body panel, with removably interconnectable details aspreviously described. Attachably affixed thereto and extending laterallytherefrom to a second pedestal (not shown) is a crossbar 262. Electricalwires internally located within the hollow portion of the crossbar andpedestal and attachably connected to the electrical plug of a typepreviously illustrated are terminated in a second plug 263 attachablyconnected to and penetrating through the outer wall of the crossbar. Arepresentative electrical accessory shown is a fog or driving lamp 264mechanically attached to the crossbar by clamping means 266 or otheracceptable means, such accessory further being electrically connected tothe plug 263.

Instead of electrical wires internally located within the hull portionof the crossbar, a multiple continuity strip system 267 can be utilizedto conduct power from the electrical connector in the pedestal 261 tothe accessory 264. Such an arrangement requires insulating the strips.However, it allows more freedom of placement of the accessories acrossthe crossbar.

FIG. 30 shows a single lamp 280 which is representative of a singularaccessory which is detachably mounted mechanically and electrically toan automobile by mounting structures as previously described, butwithout the requirement for a pedestal. The base of the accessoryintegrally contains features and details which are mateably connectableto the mounting structure.

FIG. 31 shows a commercial application of an individually detachablymounted electrical accessory 291 similar to the lamp of FIG. 30 butcentered amidship on the vehicle. The accessory may be electrically andmechanically attached by using a single mounting structure, or may beattached using a plurality of structures which mechanically and/orelectrically connect the accessory to the automobile exterior body panel292.

As mentioned at the beginning of the detailed description, Applicant isnot limited to the specific embodiments or variations described above.Various changes and modifications can be made. The claims, theirequivalents and their equivalent language define the scope ofprotection.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a vehicle accessory latch, an accessorymounting structure permanently securable to a vehicle and having aconnection component which includes one or more connectors for passingelectrical energy to the exterior of said vehicle, each of suchconnectors being configured to mate with a corresponding connectorassociated with an accessory requiring electrical energy, and anactuator within the interior of said vehicle and communicating with saidaccessory mounting structure for manipulating the same between securingand non-securing positions from within said vehicle.
 2. The latch ofclaim 1 wherein the connector of said connection component is designedto pass electrical power to the exterior of said vehicle.
 3. The latchof claim 1 wherein at least one mechanical connector is also provided bysaid connection component to mate with a corresponding mechanicalconnector of an accessory.
 4. The latch of claim 1 further including forsaid mounting structure a cover plate for said connector for passingelectrical energy, said cover plate securable thereover when a connectorassociated with an accessory requiring electrical energy is notconnected thereto.
 5. The latch of claim 1 wherein said connector ofsaid connection component is also a mechanical connector to mate with acorresponding connector of an accessory.
 6. In a vehicle accessorylatch, an accessory mounting structure permanently securable to avehicle, comprising:(a) a connection component which includes one ormore connectors to be positioned by said structure on the exterior ofsaid vehicle to mate with corresponding connectors associated with oneor more accessories; and (b) a handle within the interior of saidvehicle and communicating with said connection component formanipulating at least one of the connectors provided by the same betweensecuring and non-securing positions from within said vehicle.
 7. Thelatch of claim 6 wherein said connection component is adapted to pass aradio frequency signal received from said accessory mounting structureto a signal conductor associated with an accessory.
 8. The latch ofclaim 6 wherein at least one of said connectors provides electricalenergy to be passed to an accessory.
 9. The latch of claim 6 wherein atleast one of said connectors is both a mechanical connector and anelectrical connector for feeding electrical energy to an accessory. 10.The latch of claim 6 further including an actuator within the interiorcompartment of said vehicle for drawing said accessory mountingstructure and an accessory together when said connectors are mated. 11.The latch of claim 6 wherein at least one of said connectors provided bysaid connection component is a latching hook to catch a correspondingconnector associated with an accessory.
 12. The latch of claim 6 whereinone or more of said connectors has at least a pair of types ofelectrical connections for different electrical characteristics.
 13. Ina vehicle accessory latch, an accessory mounting structure permanentlysecurable to a vehicle, comprising:(a) a modular connection componentwhich includes at least one connector which provides electrical energyfor an accessory, which connector is to be positioned on the exterior ofsaid vehicle to mate with a corresponding connector associated with theaccessory; (b) a cover plate for said connector providing saidelectrical energy, which cover plate is securable over said connectorwhen an electrical connector of an accessory is not connected thereto;and (c) an actuator within the interior of said vehicle andcommunicating with said connection component for manipulating the samebetween securing and non-securing positions from within said vehicle.14. In a vehicle modular accessory latch which can be used with aplurality of differing accessories, a mounting structure permanentlysecurable to a vehicle providing electrical feedthrough for anaccessory, comprising:(a) a connection component permanently attachableto said vehicle, which component includes at least one electricalconnector to be on the exterior of said vehicle to mate with and connectto a corresponding connector associated with an accessory to provide anelectrical connection between said mounting structure and saidaccessory; (b) a backing component for securance to said vehicleinteriorly of said connection component, which backing componentcooperates with said connection component to transmit electrical powerthereto; and (c) an actuator within the interior of said vehicle andcommunicating with said connection component for manipulating the samebetween securing and non-securing positions from within said vehicle.15. The latch of claim 14 wherein said actuator comprises a handlewithin the interior of said vehicle.
 16. The latch of claim 14 whereinsaid backing component cooperates with said connection component totransmit to said vehicle both the static and the dynamic loadingexpected by reason of an accessory.
 17. The latch of claim 14 whereinsaid actuator includes means for drawing said vehicle mounting structureand an accessory together when said connectors are mated.
 18. Anaccessory for a vehicle having a pair of spaced-apart latchingcomponents, each of which accessory latching components provides one ormore connectors which mate with corresponding connectors provided at theexterior of said vehicle by a respective pair of spaced-apart mountingstructures permanently securable to said vehicle, each of whichaccessory latching components is separable from said vehicle mountingstructures, said vehicle having an actuator within its interior formanipulating at least one of said vehicle mounting structures betweensecuring and non-securing positions from within said vehicle.
 19. Theaccessory of claim 18 wherein at least one of said connectors is adaptedto receive electrical power from a connector provided by a vehiclemounting structure.
 20. The accessory of claim 18 wherein at least oneof said connectors is a mechanical connector that is adapted both toprovide mechanical connection to a vehicle mounting structure and toreceive electrical energy from said mounting structure.
 21. Theaccessory of claim 18 wherein said actuator includes means for drawingsaid at least one mounting structure and an accessory latching componenttogether when said connectors are mated.
 22. In a method of attaching anaccessory to the exterior of a vehicle, the steps of:(a) mounting one ormore latching structures permanently to said vehicle with one or moreconnectors positioned to mate with corresponding connectors associatedwith an accessory; (b) positioning an actuator within the interior ofsaid vehicle; (c) mating said connectors of said latching structures tosaid corresponding connectors of said accessory; and (d) drawing saidaccessory and said latching structures together via said actuatorpositioned within the interior of said vehicle to rigidly secure theformer to said vehicle.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein said step ofmounting includes mounting a plurality of said latching structurespermanently to said vehicle at a corresponding plurality of differentpositions, said step of mating includes mating the connectors of saidplurality of latching structures to connectors of a correspondingplurality of connectors associated with said accessory, and said step ofdrawing includes drawing said accessory to all of said latchingstructures.
 24. In a method of sequentially attaching a plurality ofaccessories which individually require electrical energy to the exteriorof a vehicle, the steps of:(a) mounting one or more latching structurespermanently to said vehicle so as to position at the exterior of saidvehicle both a mechanical connector and an electrical connector for saidelectrical energy to mate thereat respectively with correspondingmechanical and electrical connectors of each of said accessories totransmit therebetween both electrical signals and the mechanical loadingexpected by reason of each of said accessories; (b) positioning anactuator within the interior of said vehicle; and (c) mating saidcorresponding connectors of each of said accessories with saidconnectors of said latching structures via said actuator positionedwithin the interior of said vehicle.
 25. The method of claim 24 furtherincluding the step of drawing each of said accessories and said latchingstructures together to rigidly secure the former to said vehicle.
 26. Ina latch for securing an accessory to the exterior of a vehicle, amounting structure permanently attachable to the vehicle and includingone or more connectors to be at said exterior of said vehicle to matewith corresponding connectors associated with one or more accessories,at least one of said connectors provided by said mounting structurebeing an electrical connector to mate with a corresponding electricalconnector on a vehicle accessory, and an actuator disposed within theinterior of said vehicle for manipulating said mounting structurebetween secured and non-secured positions from within said vehicle. 27.The latch of claim 26 wherein said connectors of said mounting structureare modularized for efficient assembly.
 28. The latch of claim 26wherein said electrical connector on said mounting structure is adaptedto receive a radio frequency signal from said vehicle accessory.
 29. Thelatch of claim 26 wherein at least one of said connectors provided bysaid mounting structure is separate from said electrical connector andis a mechanical connector providing mechanical securance to an accessorylatching structure to transmit to said vehicle both the static anddynamic loading expected by reason of said accessory.